It's not exactly a "how to" book (the note business is probably too vast for just one book) but it does offer an introductory overview of the note industry as a whole, as well as feature some creative note strategies you could employ with traditional Real Estate that I used throughout my career.

In addition to Zillow Market Overview analysis tool, is there another free website that analyze potential growth rate of houses by neighborhoods?

"NOTE: We've assembled several comprehensive guides that revolve around landlording.

Same constraints (living Bay Area) and criteria: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/621...I would also rec reading David Greene's book to get an overview on how this works: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Distance-Real-Estate-I...

This software is fairly expensive, but it so comprehensive it is the best purchase our company has ever made.

As others have said, you need to find a contractor that you like and can trust, then offer to pay them for their time to give you an overview of these expenses.It would also help if they shared some estimates with you from other similar jobs.

Trying to find a one stop shop with a comprehensive list of information instead of checking 15 different county/town websites on top of all the county pages for the unincorporated areas. 

Hi @Evan Bambrick, someone made a comprehensive list HERE.You can also look into getting a HELOAN, which is similar to a second mortgage.The rates are higher but it is a fixed-rate fully amortizing loan.Therefore, generally, if you are putting the funds towards long-term projects, a HELOAN is better.

We made a fairly comprehensive scope and were able to fix some problems that came up and still keep the investor in the green.

But I can try to give you a relatively short overview of Muthler for informational purpose.